2015 Dec 31
by Kanchana Ranasinghe
Craziest elections and cross-overs in parliament? Some of the most awaited movie releases? Concerts and explosive comments on lingerie? Well… 2015 has met its end after some out of the world moments. Let’s take a simple glimpse at the tons of happenings and mis-happenings of yet another memorable year.
Early Jan
The usual New Year hype has been replaced with a new element; the political plus election hype! From the not so great shootings on Colombo Streets and attacks by mobs every now and then to the intense political debates, hilarious mudslinging and astounding crossovers early January was totally election time for everyone. The completely unexpected result on the 8th was simply the icing on the top exhilarating everyone around the country.
A week later, we saw the arrival of Pope Francis in the island alongside the gathering of thousands of devotees from all around to convey due respect. The end of the month saw the usual highlight of the Duruthu Perahera.
Feb – April
It’s World Cup time once again and the entire country seems to gather in unison for once to cheer our team. The unfortunate knock-out in the semi’s left most of us with mixed feelings; nonetheless the excitement of the season was enough to give us all a delightful boost. Meanwhile on the other end we have ISIS demolishing a couple of Iraqi cities and joining hands with Jihadists while the rest of the world is busy arguing with Russia about the Ukrainian invasion and the broken ceasefire.
Unfortunate times don’t seem to end as we soon meet the Nepali earthquake shocking all of us here as well with its colossal damage.
In local news, we have the government putting it fists down on the controversial casinos, revoking all agreements. Also an end is brought to the even more controversial misgivings in the popular General’s life upon awarding the accolade of Field Marshall.
May-August
Sri Lanka seems to be strengthening ties with the US (at what cost we don’t know) as we see the Secretary of State John Kerry arriving in the island. Meanwhile, everyone is reminded of dinosaurs as the sequel to the famous Jurassic Park is released with much excitement among not just the usual movie fans. Sadly, just a week later, the whole island is shocked by the brutal rape and murder of an 18 year old girl in Jaffna.
Attention to the political arena was just dying out with the public starting to lose hope on “Yahapalanaya” when the much delayed dissolution of parliament takes place. The politicians are again on the limelight, only to be soon drowned out by our beloved Cricket Legend, Kumar Sangakkara. Announcing his retirement from Test Cricket, this true gentleman both on and off the field touched the hearts of the 20 million Sri Lankans with his farewell to the sport.
On the other end of the globe, we hear the United States legalizing same-sex marriages resulting in divided responses from the global population.
August also draws in with the usual election hype building up, a couple more shootings at political rallies and the usual political debate. The former president’s decision to run for office also hits headlines. The month ends with the same government retaining power.
September – December
Post-Election period sees the new joint government starting its journey along with the opposition leader being appointed from the TNA after years. Everyone is reminded of the many election promises as a 45 member cabinet is appointed, which soon goes on to expand in size. The FCID and the criminal investigations are hitting the headlines too as the government begins cracking down on numerous cases.
Back in Russia we have Putin deciding to enter headlines once more with some controversial statements followed by his airstrikes in Iraq marking Russian entry into war against ISIS. All attention however is quickly drawn to France as the entire world population begins to mourn for Paris after the shocking terrorist attack.
The year draws to an end for Sri Lankans with a controversial budget drawing much attention but finally passing followed by the infamous Enrique concert that drew the world-wide renowned comments of our own President.
